What telescopes are a good fit for the 200mm Baader V-200 Dovetail Bar?
The 200mm length is ideal for short-tube refractors (up to 80-100mm aperture), smaller Maksutov-Cassegrains, and Schmidt-Cassegrains up to 6 inches. It provides enough length to properly position the tube rings for balancing, especially when adding accessories like a camera or a large eyepiece.
Will the Baader V-200 Dovetail Bar fit my Celestron Advanced VX mount?
Yes. The Celestron Advanced VX (AVX) mount comes with a dual V/D saddle, meaning it can accept both Vixen-style and Losmandy-style dovetail bars. The Baader V-200's 44mm Vixen-standard base will fit perfectly in the V-style channel of the AVX saddle.
What is the difference between this V-style bar and a D-style bar?
The primary difference is size and capacity.
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V-Style (Vixen): This bar has a base width of 44mm. It is the most common standard for small to medium telescopes and mounts.
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D-Style (Losmandy): This is a larger, more robust standard with a wider base (approx. 75mm or 3 inches). It is used for heavier telescopes and higher-capacity mounts to provide greater stability and prevent flexure.
You must choose the bar that matches your mount's saddle.
Is the 200mm length of the Baader V-200 Dovetail Bar enough to balance a refractor with a heavy camera?
For most short-tube refractors, yes. The 200mm (7.9") length provides significant fore-and-aft adjustment for your tube rings. This allows you to slide the entire optical tube assembly forward or backward to compensate for the weight of a DSLR, dedicated astronomy camera, or heavy eyepiece, ensuring your mount's RA and Dec axes are perfectly balanced.
How do I attach my telescope tube rings to the Baader V-200 Dovetail Bar?
While specific mounting hole patterns are not detailed, Vixen-style bars like the Baader V-200 are designed with slots and/or holes intended to accommodate the standard bolt spacing of most commercial telescope tube rings. You will typically use two bolts (often 1/4"-20) to secure each ring to the bar, passing them through the rings and into the bar.
Why is the 44mm base width of the Baader V-200 Dovetail Bar important?
The 44mm width is the defining measurement of the Vixen-style (V-style) mounting standard. This specific dimension ensures the bar will seat correctly and securely in the saddle of any Vixen-compatible mount, including those from Celestron and Sky-Watcher. It guarantees a snug, no-slip fit, which is critical for astronomical pointing and tracking.
